Vince Hall, Sr. Virginia Tech
The 6-0, 240-pound Hall, who plays in the middle, led the ACC in tackles last year with 129, and has 241 over the last two years, while also showing off impeccable timing when it came to get into the backfield making two sacks, eight quarterback hurries and 10.5 tackles for loss. Even though he didn't do too much against the pass last season, he's shown good quickness and instincts in pass coverage throughout his career. With his big-hitting style and skills, he'll have the spotlight on all season long.

2007 CFN Preseason Second Team All-Americans

Dan Connor, Sr. Penn State
Lose one all-everything middle linebacker, replace him with another. Paul Posluszny was the heart and soul of a terrific defense, and now the torch will be carried by the 6-3, 233-pound Connor, who'll move from the outside in. As good as Posluszny might have been, and as great he was over the second half of last year, Connor was better from pillar to post with a more consistent 113-tackle season with five sacks, and nine tackles for loss. He was also the more complete defender than his more heralded running mate with better range and more production in pas coverage. Part of that was because he played on the outside, and part of that is because he's really, really good. Expect another 100+ stop season, and the possibility of hitting the 400 career mark (he'll need 126 to get there).

Jim Laurinaitis, Jr. Ohio State
The 6-3, 244-pound junior came from out of nowhere to become one of the nation's best defensive players, winning the Nagurski Award, with a team-leading 115 tackles with four sacks and five interceptions. Originally a starter on the outside, he flourished in the middle where he showed fantastic toughness and leadership. A monster hitter with three forced fumbles, he was all over the field making play after consistent play. Many will try to make him into another A.J. Hawk, and while he doesn't have anywhere near the same athleticism, he should be almost as productive by the time his career is over.